Bamboo Shirasaya Samurai Sword (6.2"). Impessive natural wood scabbard and wood handle. The sword features a 440 stainless steel blade and blood groove.

The word "Samurai" or warrior in the era of Japan - China's feudalism (1192 - 1867) has its origin in the 10th century with the old humble Japanese verb "samorou" or "saborou" meaning "To serve, to guard imperial family or noblemen, or to be ready anytime waiting for their order in the spirit of loyalty. Samurais came to have strong influence in the central political offices by the end of the 11th century, taking the place of the noble class. During the Japanese feudal era, the military government was headed by the Shogun, the supreme seigneur of Samurai. The Samurai's highest priority was loyalty to the Daimyos who ruled under the Shogun. In the late 16th century, it became common for Samurais to carry two swords, one large and one smaller. The large sword was used in battle while the small sword was reserved for fights in narrow places and for self-defense. Through the centuries, expert sword craftsmen perfected the art of creating the Samurai swords. Individualities developed in the details of the swords to identify the maker. The blade curve, style and decoration of the sheath, sword and guard, method of metal refinement, as well as other details, were varied according to the sword smith. "

Won Hung Lo Says "Swords must be displayed with EXTREME caution around children!"

Deluxe Samurai Shoto (26 1/2") The unique styling of this sword is recognized by The blood groove etched into the 440 stainless steel Blade that has been sharpened and finished with a True-wave frosted edge. The black wooden scabbard Has been modeled to perfectly fit over the blade and Is complete with a Red woven waist cord that Matches the tightly wrapped handle.

History of Japanese swords goes back 2,000 years. The first metal sward was discovered from a grave in Japan. The oldest sward is called JO-KO-GATANA, which means "the sward of an ancestor". The ones with blades on both sides are known as KEN or TSURUGI. Those with a single blade are generally called TACHI.

From the 3rd to the 8th century, Chinese and Korean sword craftsmen came over to Japan. Ken or the strait RYO-TO-KEN was made during the 7th to the 8th period as can be seen a t HO-BUTSU-DEN in Nara City. Tachi developed into KATANA during the middle of the 10th century, because the Japanese Calvary required weapons fit for surprise attacks. During the year 1190 to 1337 (Katakura period), blacksmith techniques for sward making reached its peak, and many of the swards designated as national treasures were made during this period. During the year 1337 to 1570 (Muromachi period), long and heavy swards fit for one on one fights were in demand by many samurai warriors. Those sword s produced from the 14th century to Sengoku period were heavy and some were longer than 3 ft. (90cm). At the end of Sengoku period, many Tachis were cut shorter, and the concept of "tachi wearing" (TACHI KOSHIRAE) changed into "katana wearing"(KATANA KOSH IRAE). This caused the loss of many good swards with production dates and signatures.

O-GATANA (longer sward)

Length 2ft. 7.5 inches to 3ft. MACHINE MADE KATANA

 

SAMURAI KATANA was a single bladed arm which samurai warriors wore on their waist. To wear a katana was considered to be one of the privileges that indicated one's class. In 1614, after the early TOKUGAWA period, the Tokugawa Shogunate regulated wearing of katanas, and samurai warriors began carrying two swards of different size. O-GATANA (longer sward) and KOGATANA (shorter sward) were limited in their length to less than 2 ft. 7.5 inches (85cm) and 2 ft. 2.5 inches (75cm) respectively. Katanas, which are curved, medium in length, and bladed on single side, are the ones that are under the most demand. Single bladed kogatanas are also often considered as a gift item. WAKI-SASHI and TAN-PEN that are also in demand are the ones that appeared later on. They were used when committing suicide by cutting one's own stomach or in SEPPUKU. One of the most popular ones among collectors in Japan is KAI-KENs. They were used for decorative purposes, and the ones with pointed shape was used with a ceremonial belt (women samurai's belt) in a formal occasion.

The heart of a real working katana is, of course, the blade. Designed for Goza target cutting competition, these blades ar e made of high carbon steel and clay tempered, with an edge hardness of 59RC, and a body hardness of 42RC. You will also notice slightly huskier blade dimensions to aid in overall strength. These blades also feature a revolutionary industry. This katana is designed for Goza target cutting competition. \par These numbered Limited Edition Spirit of the Shogun katanas include a magnificent high-gloss black furniture quality stand, a stand unlike any you have ever seen. The katana, the stand, and the maintenance kit are each embossed with a gold crest of a partic ular Shogun or Daimyo, which that katana commemorates. In this photograph one can just begin to get an idea of the mirror finish on the furniture quality stand, and see the protective velvet padding in the arms for the katana, on the shelf for the mainte n ance kit, and on the feet of the stand. The padding color matches the color of the katana wrapping. Engraved into the stand flanking each side of the crest is the name of the Shogun or Daimyo in Japanese characters.

HAND MADE SAMURAI WITH TWIN BLADE

KOGATANA (shorter sward)

Length 2 ft 2.5 inches

WORDS FOR SAMURAI

Specialty Black Samurai Sword (27") Full tang construction! This unique sword features a finely carved wooden handle and guard. Marble lacquer finished scabbard is included. 440 stainless steel.

Many Japanese swords were brought to the United States during and after WW II (some estimate over 1 million). The majority of these swords were machine made military weapons made for use in field; a few were older or well-made hand forged swords. Type, style, condition, age, maker and many other factors determine the value of a Japanese sword. Many swords have characters on the tang that gives information about the maker and year made. The lack of informatio n on the tang does not mean the sword is machine made, some older swords do not have characters on the tang and many machines made swords have a maker's name on the tang. If you own a Japanese sword and are planning on selling it, identifying what it is will help you establish an appropriate value. Please see pictures of some typical styles of swords. I have enjoyed an interest in Japanese Swords for over 3 years; collecting their photos n information has been my hobby the past 3 years. I would enjoy working with anyone interested in exchanging the weapons information specially the Japanese samurai and the Shotguns.

Epitomizing the art of the Samurai sword maker, the Shinto Katana in shirsaya form is hand crafted at the Dalian (China) forge of ChenChao-po, the widely respected authority on the art of oriental sword making. Displaying features usually found only on original Samurai swords, these pieces provide a unique opportunity to own a katana of a quality usually found only in private collections, museums or in the Orient.